Frequently Asked Questions

We offer both a Single-Build and an Unlimited-Build Construction License:

• Single-Build License: The home depicted in the plan purchased may be built one time; should you wish to build it again, you can obtain a Subsequent Single-Build License for that same design for $250, each subsequent build. A Subsequent Single-Build License is most appropriate for individuals purchasing a home plan and builders that do not intend to build the plan multiple times.
• Unlimited-Build License: The home depicted in the plan purchased may be built multiple times. An Unlimited-Build License is most appropriate for a builder that intends to build the plan multiple times, such as a developer.

For both the Single-Build and Unlimited-Build Construction Licenses you must report the address of where the home is to be built; failing to do so invalidates your License and may subject you to legal penalties under federal Copyright law (please refer to the Home Plan Copyright Protection section for more information).

When you license a plan, you receive a Construction License that gives you certain rights in building the home depicted in that plan, including

• Local Modifications: The Construction License allows you to make modifications to your plans. We offer a complete plan customization service, or you may have the desired changes done locally by a qualified draftsman, designer, architect, or engineer. NOTE: If you have modifications done locally, the original designer’s Copyright notice must be retained on the modified changes.
• Running Blueprints: Your plans are sent to you as a PDF that reproduces well on your printer. The Construction License authorizes you or your printer, at your direction, to make as many copies of the plan from the PDF as you need for construction purposes.

Yes, each plan license offered for sale by Design Basics is protected by United States Copyright law. This means the images and construction prints of our designs are legally protected from unlawful use. To learn more about Copyright protections, click here.

Yes, each plan license offered for sale by Design Basics is protected by United States Copyright law. This means the images and construction prints of our designs are legally protected from unlawful use. To learn more about Copyright protections, click here.

When you license a home plan from Design Basics, you will receive the following items:

Construction Drawings (most plans)

• Cover Page: Each home plan features the front elevation and informative reference sections including, general notes and design criteria*, abbreviations, and symbols for your plans.
• Elevations: Scaled elevations for the front, rear, and sides are provided. All elevations are detailed, and an aerial view of the roof is provided.
• Foundations: Foundations are fully engineered for each design*, whether slab or basement (excludes designs by William L. Martin).
• Main Level Floor Plan: The detailed drawings are fully dimensioned for ease of framing. Exterior wall thicknesses vary by plan. If necessary, contact us for clarification.
• Second Level Floor Plan: Dimensioned and drafted to the same degree of detail as the main level floor plan*.
• Electrical and Sections: Illustrated on a separate page for clarity, the electrical plan shows suggested electrical layout for the main and second level floor plans. Typical wall and stair sections are provided to further explain construction of these areas.

When you buy direct from Design Basics, full technical support is provided to answer your plan-related questions.

*Plans are drafted to meet the Uniform Building Code or IRC (International Residential Code) at the time they are designed (contact us for more information). Because codes and requirements can change and may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the designers cannot warrant compliance with any specific code or regulation. All plans can be adapted to your local building codes and requirements. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or builder of each plan to see that the structure is built in strict compliance with all governing municipal codes (city, county, state, and federal).

Construction Print Options (not all options available on all designs)

• PDF Format: Receive your construction drawings via email in PDF format; print from your plotter or take to your local printer. We provide an overlay with your license number on each page.
• CAD Files: Available in AutoCAD DWG & MicroStation DGN formats; sent via email.

Construction License: When you license a plan, you receive a Construction License that gives you certain rights in building the home depicted in that plan, including

• Local Modifications: The Construction License allows you to make modifications to your plans. We offer a complete plan customization service, or you may have the desired changes done locally by a qualified draftsman, designer, architect, or engineer. NOTE: If you have modifications done locally, the original designer’s Copyright notice must be retained on the modified changes.
• Running Blueprints: Your plans are sent to you as a PDF that reproduces well on your printer. The Construction License authorizes you or your printer, at your direction, to make as many copies of the plan from the PDF as you need for construction purposes.

Construction License Options

• Single-Build License: The home depicted in the plan licensed may be built one (1) time; should you wish to build it again, you can obtain another Single-Build License for that same design for $100, each subsequent build. A Single-Build License is most appropriate for individuals purchasing a home plan, and builders that do not intend to build the plan multiple times.
• Unlimited-Build License: The home depicted in the plan licensed may be built multiple times. An Unlimited-Build License is most appropriate for a builder that intends to build the plan multiple times, such as a developer.

For both the Single- and Unlimited-Build Construction Licenses you must report the address of where the home is to be built; failing to do so invalidates your License and may subject you to legal penalties under federal Copyright law (please refer to the Home Plan Copyright Protection section for more information).

Home Plan Copyright Protection: Each plan offered for license by Design Basics is Copyrighted with the U.S. Federal Copyright Office, meaning the images and construction prints of our home plans are legally protected from unlawful use. Our Position Statement lays the foundation for protecting all parties involved: Design Basics values our intellectual property and that of its many collaborative partnerships. We, therefore, protect our 1,800+ plan design copyrights from illegal infringements. This preserves and maximizes customers’ investments, while also protecting our assets, our team members’ employment position, and our stakeholders. When ordering a home plan from Design Basics you will receive a Construction License that gives you certain rights:

• You may modify the plan or have a qualified local professional modify the plan at your direction. The original designer’s Copyright notice must be retained on the modified drawings.
• You may make additional copies of the home plan as needed for construction so long as the copies are made from the set you receive containing the red seal.
• You may build the home based upon the home plan purchased. Before you start construction, complete the Construction License process by reporting the address where the home is to be built; failing to do so invalidates your License and may subject you to legal penalties under federal copyright law.

Please contact us if you have any questions: 800.947.7526

All construction prints include the following:

• Detailed, scaled floor plan(s)
• Detailed, scaled elevations
• Detailed, scaled foundation plan

Construction prints may include the following:

• Detail cross sections
• Floor structural supports
• Roof plans and suggested electrical plans (Contact us for specific details: 1.800.947.7526)

Format Options:

• Electronic prints: PDF email or CAD file
• Many plans are available as a ‘right-reading’ reverse
• Many plans are available as a No-Step Entry floor plan

Customers who must have home plans drawn locally to meet the specific building code requirements of their jurisdiction, including local engineering or architectural seals, but who do not require plan specific documentation or drawings.

No construction prints are included with a “Concept Plan.”

The “Concept Plan” grants you the right to change this home design to meet your specific needs and the right to construct the home. You or your local architect/drafting service draft the plan to meet your specific needs in relation to building codes in your area.

This is a legal document; please keep it in a safe place; you will need to reference the License Number when inquiring about your design.

*Click here for information on Construction License options.

Customers who must have the home plans drawn locally to meet the specific building code requirements of their jurisdiction, including local engineering or architectural seals. The Dimensional Plan is a dimensioned starting point for your architect or drafting staff/service. A Dimensional CAD Plan includes:

• Design Basics’ federal Copyright and Construction License*
• Scale front, side, and rear elevations
• Fully dimensioned ¼” scale floor plans
• Fully dimensioned ¼” scale foundation plan
• Roof plan (aerial pitches of the roof)
• NO structural information is included.

*Click here for information on Construction License options.